While the incidence of brain stroke has decreased in developed nations, it is a growing problem in countries like India
While the incidence of brain stroke has decreased in developed nations, it is a growing problem in countries like India.
A two-year study (published in the Lancet Journal of Medication), was carried out in Bandra, Khar and Santacruz, spearheaded by Lilavati Hospital showed that the annual incidence of brain stroke in India was higher than that of other developing nations.
"We chose H ward because the population's age and sex distribution closely matched that of Mumbai's entire population," said Dr Madhumita Bhattacharjee, who with Dr Praful Dalal and Dr J Vairale, co-ordinated with the BMC and private dispensaries and nursing homes to analyse 'first stroke' patients.
Researchers found that 82 per cent of the patients were hypertensive and only a third recovered without lasting disabilities.
The group screened over 1.5 lakh patients of which 456 were victims of first-time strokes.
"Consulting a neurologist as soon as the symptoms are visible within the first three hours is critical," said Dalal.
Symptoms of brain stroke include weakness, confusion in speech, blurred vision, headaches and dizziness.
Patients suffering an attack must be rushed to an imaging centre MRI or a clinic with CT scanning facilities.
Brain strokes kill six lakh Indians annually.
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